Youth exiting foster care are at increased risk for future homelessness, often due to a lack of independent living or supportive services to help them maintain stable housing. The National Alliance to End Homelessness recently launched a new Web resource to inform and support those working to prevent youth homelessness, with a focus on youth involved with child welfare and juvenile justice. The Ending Youth Homelessness site (www.endhomelessness.org/youth) features effective strategies and programs as well as links to research and other resources on the topic.

Programs featured on the site include:

Connecticut Department of Children and Families: A continuum of supportive housing options for youth ages 14 and older in the foster care system.

Illinois Department of Children and Families: Housing advocacy and cash assistance for youth aging out of foster care.

Lighthouse Youth Services (Cincinnati, OH): Supportive housing for youth in the child welfare, juvenile justice, and homeless shelter systems.

Information about featured practices includes services provided, sources of funding, and program contacts for further information.

Related Items

A recorded Webcast of a recent Leadership to End Homelessness audio conference on youth homelessness can be found on the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Web site at www.pathprogram.samhsa.gov/naeh.asp.

Read more about services for youth aging out of foster care in previous issues of Children's Bureau Express (http://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov):

"Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Face Uphill Climb to Adulthood" (May 2003)
"Independent Living Programs in Oregon and California Give Aging-Out Foster Youth Support" (February/March 2002)
"National Foundations Fund New Initiatives for Foster Care Youth" (September/October 2001)